Police said they could not comment further as the matter had been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission. The police watchdog said its officers had begun an investigation and would release more details later on Monday.

Civil rights groups have spoken of their concern about the increasing use of stun guns and their potential risk. According to figures from the Home Office, police discharged Tasers 1,921 times last year.

Atkinson began his football career at Ipswich Town and scored in Aston Villa's 3-1 win over Manchester United in the 1994 League Cup final.

"Terribly sad news about our former striker. Our thoughts are with Dalian's family and friends at this tragic time," Ipswich said on Twitter.